OASD director of community engagement and equity, Miller Jr., is named 2025 UWO Outstanding Young Alumni

Anthony Miller Jr. ('13, '15 MSE) has built a career on the power of voice, using his own story to inspire students and advocating for changes that open doors for others. That commitment to lifting up young people has now earned him recognition as a recipient of the 2025 UW-Oshkosh Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Miller serves as the Oshkosh Area School District's first director of community engagement and equity, a role he has held since 2023. He works across 20 schools to lead staff training, guide diversity and inclusion initiatives and foster partnerships with families and community organizations.

His gift for connecting with others through words first drew wide attention at UW-Oshkosh's spring 2013 commencement ceremony. As the student speaker, Miller delivered his "I Beat the Odds"address, a message of perseverance and resilience that drew a standing ovation and continues to resonate years later.

The speech has since been viewed more than 14,000 times on YouTube and remains a touchstone for students and faculty.

"The experience was second to none, and I am proud of the way I represented my family, my community and myself that day," Miller said. "Even though I delivered that speech 12 years ago, people still compliment that moment and share how inspirational it was. Whenever someone sends me feedback about the speech, I am reminded of the transformative power of the spoken word."

Jennifer Considine, a professor of communication studies at UWO who nominated him for the award, said his growth has been remarkable to witness.

"I had the privilege of learning with Anthony while he was a student in my classes and am inspired by his career success and his dedication to supporting youth who are trying to do what he did, 'Beat the Odds' and earn a college degree," Considine said.

Miller is quick to name the professors and mentors who had the greatest influence on his journey. He credits communication professors Considine, Joseph Gemin (retired) and Tony Palmeri for helping him find his voice. He also points to Byron Adams, now executive director of the Center for Student Success and Belonging at UWO, as a life-changing mentor, describing him as a "disruptor, opportunity maker and champion" who modeled the kind of support Miller now strives to provide for students.

"I believe that every child deserves a champion, someone who has a relentless belief and unwavering faith in a student's ability to reach their full potential," Miller said, adding that Adams was that champion for him. "Byron's impact in my life inspired me to travel the path I am currently on. I tell people all the time that I just want to serve and give to students the same way Byron did for me."

Miller's path to district leadership included nearly a decade at Fox Valley Technical College, where he managed the Scholars for Success program, which supported students from underrepresented backgrounds with mentoring, academic planning and personal development.

Rayon D. Brown, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at Fox Valley Technical College, witnessed Miller's influence firsthand.

"Anthony has made a profound impact in both K-12 and post-secondary education, guiding students toward academic and career success," Brown said. "His work in developing youth and providing pathways to post-secondary opportunities has transformed lives."

Earlier in his career, Miller supported families as an African American cultural support specialist with the Appleton Area School District. In that role, he served as a liaison between schools and families, connected students to community resources and provided cultural insight to help staff better meet the needs of their students. He also worked with Milwaukee Public Schools' TEAM UP College Access Center, helping prospective students secure scholarships and navigate the sometimes intimidating process of applying to college.

In recent years, he has been invited to speak at events including Oshkosh West High School's Diversity Day, Phi Theta Kappa's Wisconsin Spring Convention, and the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley. In February 2025, he headlined the Black History Month assembly at Oshkosh North High School, where he drew on his personal journey to encourage students to embrace their identity and potential. No matter the setting, his message is consistent: resilience, community and the power of education can change lives.

In 2024, Madison365 named him one of Wisconsin's 40 Most Influential Black Leaders, recognizing not only his district leadership but also his ongoing community presence.

Miller's dedication to mentorship goes beyond the education arena. He coached high school football teams in Milwaukee, and he coached the Neenah Hoops Club, a 7th-grade girls' basketball team to a Wisconsin State Invitational championship in April 2025.

At UW-Oshkosh, Miller earned a bachelor's degree in communication with a minor in African American studies and later a master's degree in educational leadership. He credits experiences as a Titan football player, member and leader in the Black Student Union and the mentorship of faculty and staff with shaping his confidence and direction.

Sam Coleman, assistant superintendent of instruction for the Oshkosh Area School District, said Miller's influence is felt across the community.

"Anthony's impact is both immediate and enduring," Coleman said. "His passion for service, his commitment to empowering others and his ability to effect meaningful change make him a role model not only for students and colleagues but also for future generations."

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will celebrate the talents and successes of 11 alumni during Homecoming 2025 this October. Miller is among five top graduates to receive the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for their professional and civic accomplishments within 15 years of receiving their degrees; five will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for their accomplishments in their professional fields; and one will receive the Alumni Outstanding Service Award for making exemplary contributions to support UWO through volunteer efforts, energy, leadership and/or philanthropic donations.

The 2025 Alumni Awards Celebration will be held Friday, Oct. 17 at the Culver Family Welcome Center, with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by the dinner and program beginning at 6 p.m. Cost of the event is $40 per person. More information is available by contacting UWO Alumni Relations at (920) 424-3449, or [email protected]

Learn more:

Communications Studies at UWO

Master of Science - Educational Leadership and Policy

UWO Homecoming